Pediatricians Break With CDC Over 2026 Vaccine Schedule
American Academy of Pediatrics endorses 18 routine vaccines while the CDC cut its schedule to 11 diseases on Jan. 5, 2026.
Overview
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued its 2026 immunization schedule endorsing routine vaccines for 18 diseases, breaking with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Jan. 5, 2026 reduction to 11 diseases.
The AAP said the CDC change departs from the medical evidence and urged continued routine protection against Covid, influenza, RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus and some meningitis strains, according to a policy statement.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the overhaul and said vaccines will remain available and insured, while Dr. Sean O'Leary of the AAP criticized the federal shift in a media briefing.
At least 28 state health departments said they will not follow the CDC changes, and the AAP's guidance is endorsed by 12 major medical organizations representing about 67,000 pediatricians, officials said.
The AAP is expanding litigation targeting HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to seek reversal of removals from the schedule, and states and providers face decisions about which schedule to adopt, AAP officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story by foregrounding the AAP’s authority and broad medical consensus, highlighting state and professional opposition, and portraying the CDC’s schedule change as unexplained. Editorial choices prioritize pediatrician perspectives and alignment among medical groups while giving the CDC a brief, de-emphasized rationale, shaping a narrative of institutional discord.
Sources (3)
FAQ
The AAP endorses routine vaccines for 18 diseases, while the CDC reduced its schedule to 11 diseases on January 5, 2026.
The AAP urges continued routine protection against Covid, influenza, RSV, hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, and some meningitis strains.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the CDC's overhaul, stating that vaccines will remain available and insured.
At least 28 state health departments will not follow the CDC changes, and the AAP is expanding litigation against HHS to seek reversal.
The AAP schedule is based on established evidence of vaccine safety, effectiveness, disease risk in the US, children's vulnerability, and cost-effectiveness.
History
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